Pressure on NZ to increase Afghan presence - report

The United States is constantly asking New Zealand to increase its military presence in Afghanistan, papers show.

About 140 army, navy and air force personnel are involved in New Zealand's Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) operating in Afghanistan's Bamyan Province. The team has been active there since 2003.

The Government is considering whether to send Special Air Service troops back to the country; the SAS has been deployed there three times, the last in 2006.

Radio New Zealand today reported papers obtained under the Official Information Act showed the United States was impressed with the PRT and regularly asked for an increased commitment in Afghanistan.

- NZPA